Response to UK Government's Packaging Consultation
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13th FEBRUARY 2012
RESOURCE ASSOCIATION RESPONSE TO GOVERNMENT’S PACKAGING CONSULTATION - WELCOMES HIGHER RECYCLING TARGETS BUT REFORM OF PRN/PERN NEEDED TO ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT IN UK REPROCESSING
The Resource Association, the new voice for the reprocessing and recycling industries, responded to the Government consultation on Producer Responsibility Obligations for packaging by supporting the Governments’ proposed higher targets, but expressed concern about the operation of the PRN/PERN system in relation to UK reprocessors, particularly of plastics and glass.
The Association called for reforms of the PERN system to encourage greater investment in UK reprocessing by reducing the built in advantage the system generates for the export of recovered mixed plastics.
The Association also welcomed the split target approach to glass to focus attention on remelt applications, but suggested that the Government should go beyond a ‘cap’ for issuing of PRNs for glass tonnage diverted to aggregates by phasing out PRNs for aggregates by 2017.
Resource Association Chief Executive Ray Georgeson said: “We welcome higher recycling targets as set out by the Government, and while these are challenging in some instances they should be achievable. Addressing the imbalances created by the PERN system however remains an important outstanding issue. The Government could take the opportunity to send a strong investment signal to UK reprocessors, especially in plastics, by lowering the PERN value for exported mixed plastics to 60% of the weight of mixed plastics exported. This would help deliver a level playing field for UK reprocessors, who can only issue a PRN for the weight of reprocessed material they actually produce, which because of the often contaminated nature of the material can be as low as 50% of the incoming feedstock.”
“If the Government is serious about supporting the emerging UK green economy, this is a strong and simple measure that could be taken in the Budget. A level playing field is all that UK reprocessors ask for, and this will send a strong signal that will boost investment in UK reprocessing, creating green jobs in our economy and utilising valuable resources closer to home.”
ENDS
NOTES:
- The Resource Association submission to the Government is attached with this News Release.
- The Resource Association focuses on championing the value of UK reprocessing and recycling in terms of employment, resource efficiency and integrity, carbon reduction and our role in the low-carbon, green economy. It seeks constructive dialogue with Governments across the UK, the European Commission, other trade associations and stakeholders with shared interests.
- Further information on the Resource Association can be obtained from our Prospectus, available through registration on www.resourceassociation.com
- Our initial Policy Statement, Advancing the Agenda for a Resource Efficient Economy was launched on Nov 8th and is available on request from info@resourceassociation.com
CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Ray Georgeson, Chief Executive
Tel: 07711 069433
E-mail: ray.georgeson@resourceassociation.com
